Bandstand
Music by Richard Oberacker
Book and Lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker
September 24-26, 2026
Directed by Abigail Pletcher
Assistant Directed by Chase Buher
Choreography by Casey Adams
Cast:
Donny Novitski: Adam Bradt
Julia Trojan: Rebekah Hill
Mrs. June Adams: CJ Pletcher
Jimmy Campbell: Eli Hakes
Davy Zlatic: Tyler Suttner
Wayne Wright: Hendrik Lurtsema
Johnny Simpson: Owen Gelder
Jean Ann Ryan: Molly Wilson
Ensemble: Sebastian Berryhill, Emily Bond, Will Brodie, Linda Brooks, Ember Cousineau, Collin Craven, Christa Dickinson, Creed Garnaat, Grace Garnaat, Jace Garnaat, Trent Garnaat, Ruby Gelder, Elijah Glennon, Macy Harmon, Ellie Knobloch, Arianna Lutes, Eliza Moody, Vadis Pekrul, Eli Pletcher, Anna Pugh, Baysil Shaffer, Nick Solomon, Zach Stiles, Noah VanKampen, Sam Wilson
Synopsis
Bandstand is the story of Donny Novitski, a young veteran and musician, just home from WWII. Once he returns home, he discovers that the country he fought so hard to defend has left him behind. With no work and no prospects, he comes upon the opportunity of a lifetime: A national competition to find the nation’s next swing band sensation. Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, and the widow of his best friend, and together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen.
This powerful musical shines a light on the unseen struggles of those who gave their all to defend our country. In the process, it helps us experience the strength of brotherhood, the power of music, and the dignity of every human life.
A word from our director…
This show is unique and amazing on multiple levels. For one, you have a main cast who must be able to play their instruments excellently, an ensemble artfully portraying the struggles of the characters, and some stirring solos. These are all elements that make this show exciting. But the foundation to all of this is the very raw and powerful story of six veterans and a widow. This show deconstructs our monolithic view of service members and veterans and shows them as they are. Human beings who each experience the world differently, who react differently to their time in WWII, and who are treated differently by the world around them. Everything in the show is about portraying that experience. The joys, the hardship, the laughter, and the tears.
This show is a great challenge artistically, requiring us to pull out all the stops. But it’s also a great opportunity to shine a light on real struggles and maybe, in some small way, help those who have fought to protect ou5r country.